Safeguarding
Welcome to TalkMH
TalkMH is a safe, supportive community where you can be heard, be yourself, and find the support you need.
Safeguarding Policy
This policy explains how TalkMH approaches safeguarding, user safety and the protection of vulnerable users.
Immediate Danger
If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services immediately. TalkMH cannot provide real-time intervention or emergency support.
- Emergency services: Contact your local emergency number immediately.
- United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland: Samaritans — 116 123.
- United States & Canada: Call or text 988.
- Australia: Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14.
- Elsewhere: Contact your local crisis or emergency services.
Purpose
TalkMH exists to provide peer support and discussion around mental health. We recognise that some members may be vulnerable due to emotional distress, mental illness, trauma, abuse, grief, addiction or crisis.
This policy aims to reduce harm while maintaining a supportive environment for discussion.
Who May Be Vulnerable?
Any person can become vulnerable at different times in their life. Vulnerability may include, but is not limited to:
- Mental health crisis or emotional distress.
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
- Domestic abuse or coercive control.
- Bereavement or trauma.
- Addiction or substance misuse.
- Isolation or loneliness.
- Financial exploitation or fraud.
- Disability or serious illness.
Our Safeguarding Principles
- Protect users from foreseeable harm.
- Encourage supportive and respectful discussion.
- Promote access to professional help when appropriate.
- Act proportionately and fairly.
- Respect privacy while balancing safety concerns.
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations.
What Moderators May Do
Moderators may take action to protect users and reduce harm.
- Add content warnings.
- Edit or remove harmful content.
- Hide posts pending review.
- Lock discussions that become unsafe.
- Provide crisis information.
- Issue warnings or restrictions.
- Suspend or ban accounts.
- Escalate serious safeguarding concerns internally.
Prohibited Behaviour
The following behaviour may result in immediate moderation action:
- Harassment, stalking or intimidation.
- Grooming or predatory behaviour.
- Sexual exploitation.
- Fraud or financial exploitation.
- Sharing personal information without consent.
- Encouraging self-harm or suicide.
- Manipulation of vulnerable users.
- Threats or incitement to violence.
Peer Support Expectations
TalkMH is a peer support community. Members should:
- Be compassionate and respectful.
- Share experiences rather than professional advice.
- Encourage appropriate support when needed.
- Respect boundaries.
- Use content warnings where appropriate.
Members should not:
- Diagnose other users.
- Provide medical instructions.
- Discourage professional help.
- Create dependency relationships.
- Promise secrecy where safety may be at risk.
Privacy and Safety
Users should avoid sharing personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, workplaces or financial information.
Moderators may review reported content to investigate safety concerns. TalkMH cannot guarantee confidentiality where there is a legal obligation or serious risk of harm.
Serious Safety Concerns
Where lawful and necessary, TalkMH may take additional action in response to serious safeguarding concerns, including:
- Restricting or banning accounts.
- Preserving relevant information where legally required.
- Co-operating with law enforcement or competent authorities.
- Taking action to reduce immediate risk on the platform.
Reporting Concerns
If you believe content or behaviour may place someone at risk, please use the report function.
Do not attempt to investigate, intervene or take matters into your own hands. Allow moderators to review the situation.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in law, regulation, technology and best practice.
